Changes in ice cover thickness and lake level of Lake Hoare, Antarctica: Implications for local climatic change Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • We report results from 10 years of ice thickness measurements at perennially ice‐covered Lake Hoare in southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. The ice cover of this lake had been thinning steadily at a rate exceeding 20 cm yr−1 during the last decade but seems to have recently stabilized at a thickness of 3.3 m. Data concerning lake level and degree‐days above freezing are presented to show the relationship between peak summer temperatures and the volume of glacier‐derived meltwater entering Lake Hoare each summer. From these latter data we infer that peak summer temperatures have been above 0°C for a progressively longer period of time each year since 1972. We also consider possible explanations for the thinning of the lake ice. The thickness of the ice cover is determined by the balance between freezing during the winter and ablation that occurs all year but maximizes in summer. We suggest that the term most likely responsible for the change in the ice cover thickness at Lake Hoare is the extent of summer melting, consistent with the rising lake levels.

publication date

  • March 15, 1992

has restriction

  • closed

Date in CU Experts

  • January 25, 2017 1:23 AM

Full Author List

  • Wharton RA; McKay CP; Clow GD; Andersen DT; Simmons GM; Love FG

author count

  • 6

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0148-0227

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 3503

end page

  • 3513

volume

  • 97

issue

  • C3